Debut in key emerging markets planned, with state-of-the-art sales and service facilities in Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi and Jammu in Q2 2025 | New state-of-art luxury 3S facility in Bengaluru and a world-class Service Centre in Hyderabad inaugurated | Rs. 450 crores investment from Franchise Partners in next 3 years

“Mercedes-Benz continues to be the most desirable luxury car brand in India, with nearly one in two German luxury cars sold in India, being a Mercedes-Benz. The desirability is driven by the unwavering commitment of our Franchise Partners in offering customers luxury of choice with new desirable products, differentiating service and a delightful retail experience. Our focus on strengthening the Top-End Luxury segment is highly successful, buoyed by the overwhelming response to the S-Class, the Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, the G 580 with EQ Technology and the EQS SUV. Our BEV growth has been accelerating fast, with high sales penetration.” “Mercedes-Benz will continue its major network upgradation and expansion with an investment of Rs. 450 crores from Franchise Partners, aimed at enhancing the brand’s footprint in emerging and in existing metropolis, offering latest global luxury standards in retail. As a fundamentally strong brand, we are confident of the mid to long term prospect of the Indian market, pursuing a value-oriented sales approach, aimed at customer delight and business sustainability.” Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

• Mercedes-Benz India grew by 4% in FY 24-25 its best-ever fiscal, despite decline in Entry Luxury Segment: Overall growth was driven by 34% increase in Top-End and 51% increase in BEV sales, in FY 24-25
• Q1 25 sales at 4775 units, declined by 11.8% mainly driven by the decline of Entry Luxury segment by 28%. Top-End Luxury segment however grew by 6% in Q1 25, underlining a clear customer preference for Top-End Luxury products
• More than 1 out of 4 cars sold by Mercedes-Benz India in FY 24-25 and Q1 25, was a ‘Top-End Luxury’ vehicle like the S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, AMG G 63
• BEV growth at 51% led to a penetration of 7% of total sales in FY 24-25, and 8% penetration in Q1 25, underlines the increasing trend of BEV acceptance 2
• Strong response to the EQS SUV, making it the highest selling BEV for Mercedes-Benz
• LWB E-Class is the highest selling model driven by the dynamic E 450 variant
• Waiting period for select ‘Top-End’ luxury vehicles like G63 AMG and Mercedes- Maybach S[1]Class have gone up to 12 months
• Mercedes-Benz to inaugurate world-class luxury MAR 20X outlets in key emerging markets like Kanpur, Varanasi and Jammu in Q2 2025. Mercedes-Benz debuted in Agra, last week
• 21 New MAR 20X outlets planned in 2025, with investment of Rs. 450+ cr from Franchise Partners in next three years
• Strong demand for SUV portfolio comprising GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS and G-Class | SUV penetration at 60% of total sales volume in FY 24-25

India’s most desirable luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today announced its best-ever fiscal sales with 18,928 new Mercedes-Benz retailed. The company also retailed 4,775 new Mercedes-Benz in the January to March 2025 period. Mercedes-Benz sales was primarily driven by new product launches, qualitative network upgradation and elevating customer experiences. Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Desire to Exceed’ market strategy reflected in growing customer loyalty and increasing desirability of the brand in the Indian market. Strong performance of the Core and Top-End Luxury segment remained the highlight of last fiscal and Q1 2025 sales, and was complemented by a strong acceleration in the BEV growth and its increased penetration.

Robust demand for the Top-End Luxury segment: The key highlight for Mercedes-Benz India’s fiscal 24-25 and Q1 25 sales had been the strong and consistent demand for its Top-End Luxury segment comprising the likes of S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, EQS SUV and the AMG range. Top-End Luxury segment sales grew by 34% in FY 24-25 with robust demand for S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach Night Series, G 580 with EQ Technology, EQS SUV and the iconic AMG G 63.

In Q1 2025 more than 1 out of 4 cars sold in India by Mercedes-Benz remained a ‘Top-End Luxury’ vehicle. Waiting period for the Top-End Luxury segment ranges from 4 months, and up to a year for the iconic AMG G 63.

Consistent traction driving the ‘Core’ segment:

Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Core’ segment remained the highest contributor to its sales in FY 24-25 and in Q1 2025. The Core segment comprising C-Class, E-Class LWB sedans, the GLC and GLE SUVs continued to drive customer desire and loyalty, contributing a significant share in the overall sales volumes of Mercedes-Benz.

In Q1 2025, the success of the E-Class LWB (now available with a dynamic E 450 variant) continued, with very high customer traction across all markets. The Long Wheelbase E-Class remains the highest selling luxury car in India.

Entry Luxury Segment: Mercedes-Benz ‘Entry Luxury’ offers product substance, having higher value for luxury customers. In Q1 2025, Mercedes-Benz ‘Entry Luxury Segment’ declined by 28%, in a segment primarily dominated by products at a lower price point with high market offering. Mercedes-Benz products are feature rich and fully loaded, underlining a value-oriented sales approach, that caters to growing customer aspirations.

3 Strong demand for BEV:

Mercedes-Benz BEV portfolio grew by a robust 51% in FY 24-25 fiscal, with a penetration of 7% of total sales. BEV sales growth underlined the continued strong response to the entire portfolio, highlighted with the highest ever customer deliveries for the EQS SUV.

Q1 25 sales also witnessed a similar strong demand for the BEV portfolio with very positive response to the ‘Made in India’ EQS SUV 580 and EQS SUV 450, pushing the BEV penetration to 8% in Q1 25.

The BEVs particularly witnessed significant growth at the ‘Top-End Luxury’ spectrum, with high demand for the EQS Maybach Night Series and the stunning G 580 SUV with EQ Technology. The waiting period for both these vehicles extend up to 12 months.

Major Retail Network expansion planned in Q2 2025:

Mercedes-Benz India, as part of its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy, has major Retail Network expansion planned in Q2 2025. As part of market expansion, Mercedes-Benz will expand its retail network to 21 world-class MAR20X outlets in new emerging markets, as well in existing metropolis of New Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, with an investment of Rs. 450 crores from Franchise Partners in next three years. Mercedes-Benz will also debut in key emerging markets of Kanpur, Jammu, Varanasi, Udaipur and Patna among other markets. A state-of-art modern luxury facility was inaugurated in Agra last week.

National, April 10, 2025 – Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is delighted to welcome Neil James as its General Manager. With 18 years of hospitality experience, marked by robust leadership, operational expertise, and a keen focus on guest satisfaction, Neil is set to drive significant value for the hotel.

As the General Manager of Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Neil will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, driving strategic growth, and strengthening the property’s positioning in the market. His extensive knowledge in hospitality management, coupled with a passion for innovation and service excellence, will further enhance the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury stays, dining, and events.

Neil-James

Neil’s notable 18-year career showcases a remarkable trajectory, beginning as a Front Office Associate and culminating in roles like Director of Rooms. His extensive experience spans renowned brands such as Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, and Courtyard by Marriott, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Vadodara, he significantly elevated the hotel’s market standing and service quality. His contributions to the hospitality industry have garnered him significant recognition. He received the Hotel Bloggers Association’s 2024 ‘Best General Manager, Gujarat’ award, the prestigious Stephen G. Marriott Culture Award in 2018 for his positive workplace cultivation, and led his previous hotel to achieve the Platinum & Golden Circle Award for two consecutive years, showcasing his dedication to exceptional service.

On his appointment, Neil said, “Stepping into this role at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is an honor. I’m excited to join this exceptional team and contribute to the hotel’s continued success. My vision centers on elevating guest experiences through innovative approaches, ensuring seamless operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence. I believe in empowering our team to deliver unparalleled service, creating truly memorable stays for every guest. Together, we will build upon the hotel’s strong foundation, embracing new opportunities and solidifying its position as a leading destination in the region.”

Beyond the world of hospitality, Neil finds balance and rejuvenation through his passions for reading and maintaining an active fitness regime.

Shivani Shared, “If I wasn’t an actor, I would definitely be in the police probably an IPS officer. I’m from Delhi and since childhood, I’ve admired Kiran Bedi a lot. I was a total tomboy. I’ve literally beaten up boys who misbehaved or tried to tease someone. I learned judo, karate, and other forms of self-defense. I even used to ride bullets and all kinds of bikes before a family accident made me stop.”

The Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri Actress further added, “I always wanted to be someone like Kiran Bedi. I wasn’t into bullying, but I wanted to be that strong, fearless woman who stands up for what’s right. I couldn’t tolerate anyone doing wrong, especially teasing girls—I would seriously take action against them. So yes, if I wasn’t in acting, I would’ve surely been in the police force, as a bold and brave officer fighting for justice.”

“Is your home a true reflection of you?” asks Mr. Amit Gujral, Founder & Managing Partner at Alumvista. “Alumvista is not just about aluminium profiles; it is about creating a lifestyle. Our goal is to introduce home and office owners to a world where minimalism meets functionality—offering them slim, sleek, durable, and aesthetically superior solutions. With this launch, we aim to set a new standard in Indian interiors, bringing a fresh perspective to modern living and working spaces.”

Mumbai, April 10, 2025: The noise of hustle culture and polished personas, Success Decoded explores the heart of what it truly means to succeed.

Hosted by internationally celebrated Emotional Intelligence and Etiquette Coach, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth, this podcast unpacks the inner world behind outer achievements. Each episode is a raw, reflective conversation with trailblazers who have redefined success on their own terms—through intention, growth, and grace.

Dr. Taylor Elizabeth

Far from being a list of accolades, Success Decoded is an invitation to explore the quiet, often unseen inner work that drives outward excellence. It’s about who we become—not just what we achieve.

With a global career spanning 20+ countries across 5 continents, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth brings a rare and rich perspective to the dialogue around personal transformation, emotional intelligence, and legacy-building. Her unique ability to blend emotional depth with professional insight makes every conversation a masterclass in what it truly means to lead with both purpose and poise.

Speaking about the podcast, Dr. Taylor Elizabeth shares:

“One of my favorite Rumi quotes is, ‘The wound is the place where the light enters you.’ I’ve found that the most powerful growth often begins in discomfort—whether it’s self-doubt, heartbreak, or fear of change. Every guest on this show has dared to meet that discomfort, and it changed them. These are the stories that need to be told.”

Success Decoded isn’t about step-by-step formulas or quick wins—it’s about the emotional muscle, mental shifts, and soulful awareness that shape remarkable lives and careers. The podcast mirrors Dr. Taylor Elizabeth’s signature blend of empathy, elegance, and intelligence, and offers listeners a chance to see success through a more human, more holistic lens.

Each episode offers a front-row seat to candid conversations with high achievers who embody humility, depth, and self-mastery. These are individuals whose legacies are not just defined by titles or achievements, but by how they show up in the world—with courage, compassion, and conscious leadership.

“This podcast is for the curious, the ambitious, and the heart-centered,” says Dr. Taylor Elizabeth. “It’s for anyone who has ever wondered if they’re enough, who’s faced imposter syndrome or felt unsure of where they belong. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about learning, evolving, and staying true to who you are.”

Season One features a compelling line-up of luminaries including Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a modern royal with a deep sense of purpose; Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, one of India’s most respected IVF specialists; and Nikhita Tandon, the couture fashion designer known for redefining elegance. And with Season Two already in development, Success Decoded promises to continue unveiling the stories behind extraordinary lives.

• Reducing the time and effort required for manual summarization thereby increasing cost savings, lessening the need for rework, and improving revenue opportunities
• Significantly decreasing time spent on tasks such as patient referral intake, order intake, and utilization management reviews, saving up to 40 minutes per referral and reducing overall prior authorization turn-around time by up to 50%
• Ensuring medical summaries are consistent and high quality with standardized sections and traceable data, improving the accuracy of clinical decisions and reducing errors
• Providing a structured and organized summary of medical records, enabling clinicians and coordinators to make informed decisions more quickly and confidently

“Chief Medical Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and CIOs at healthcare organizations are consistently under pressure to reduce costs and improve quality of care while dealing with people resource constraints. Currently, clinical and non-clinical staff must summarize large volumes of medical records, yet medical records lack standard formats and summaries meaning they vary in quality and standardization,” said Mark Geene, senior vice president of AI Products at UiPath. “By automating and streamlining summary creation with Google Cloud, UiPath enables healthcare organizations to save clinical review time and improve accuracy, generating significant annual value in time savings and cost avoidance.”

“UiPath is delivering on its strategy to provide vertical AI solutions that are built to address industry-specific needs,” said Shweta Maniar, global director for Healthcare & Life Science Strategy & Solutions at Google Cloud. “Powered by Vertex AI and Gemini models, UiPath’s new medical summarization agent will significantly improve efficiency and streamline business processes for healthcare organizations.”

• Clinician-level summaries organized in easy-to-understand segments with traceable citations. Records are displayed in an organized format, enabling quick location and review of relevant information
• State-of-the-art retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for processing unstructured medical record data, projected to deliver faster chart processing from intake to summary
• Reduction of administrative tasks for both clinical and non-clinical professionals

Agrifields DMCC will expand into Korea, introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products in India by end FY’26: Amit Gupta

Mumbai/Bangalore, India, Apr 11, 2025: Agrifields DMCC, a leading fertilizer and phosphate manufacturing company headquartered in Dubai, today announced its plans to expand into newer markets by the end of FY’26.

Agrifields DMCC plans to expand its footprint into Korea which is driven by the growing demand for agricultural products and the need for sustainable and efficient farming practices. The company aims to leverage its expertise and experience in the agricultural industry to tap into the new market and increase its global footprint.

Speaking in detail about the plans, Mr Amit Gupta, Founder & CEO of Agrifields DMCC said, “The expansion into Korea is a strategic move for Agrifields DMCC, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our goal is to become an important player in the global agricultural industry, and we believe that this expansion will help us achieve that goal.”

“We are confident that our expertise and experience in the agricultural industry will enable us to succeed in new markets. We look forward to exploring new opportunities and building strong relationships with our partners and customers,” added Mr. Gupta.

As part of its expansion plans, Agrifields DMCC will also introduce new age water soluble fertilizer products to the Indian market. These products are designed to promote sustainable agriculture practices, enhance crop yields, and improve soil health, harnessing the organic bio chain.

“The new fertilizer products we are introducing in India are a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We believe these products will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing food security in the region and growth in yields, which will directly improve farmer netbacks,” said Mr. Gupta.

Hyderabad, April 10, 2025 – Arete Hospitals successfully concluded the highly anticipated Arete Hernia League, an advanced surgical masterclass focused on state-of-the-art hernia repair techniques. Held on April 5, 2025, the event brought together over 70 leading surgeons, trainees, and medical experts for an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

One of the key highlights of the event was the live surgical demonstrations, streamed directly from the operating theatre to the audience. This real-time approach enabled participants to observe complex hernia procedures as they unfolded, offering a rare window into advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive techniques.

The masterclass was led by Dr. Dinakar Reddy A, Head of the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology at Arete Hospitals, along with a panel of distinguished surgeons. The sessions covered a wide spectrum of hernia repair methods, including inguinal and ventral hernias, laparoscopic TEP/TAPP, and endosuturing techniques.

Adding a dynamic twist, the sessions were formatted with a sports-themed structure, featuring segments like Powerplay 1.0, Strategic Timeout, and Expert Dugout, keeping participants engaged while promoting high-level learning.

“Hernia surgery continues to evolve, and staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes,” said Dr. Dinakar Reddy. “Through this masterclass, we aimed to provide a platform for surgeons to refine their skills and share knowledge with leading experts in the field.”

The event also hosted an insightful panel discussion and keynote speech on complex hernia cases, moderated by experts Dr. Phani Mahesh Reddy, Dr. Sam Vivek Gudisay, Dr. Anuroop Thota, and Dr. Radha Krishna, who provided evidence-based insights into current best practices and evolving surgical trends.

A hands-on training session in endosuturing further enhanced the practical component of the masterclass, allowing participants to directly apply the techniques observed during the live surgeries.

“The Arete Hernia League stands out for its emphasis on technique, teamwork, and teaching,” said Dr. Satish Reddy Yeddula, Senior Consultant, General Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology. “It offered an excellent platform to mentor emerging surgeons while also refining our own approaches.”

“Being part of this initiative was incredibly rewarding,” added Dr. Sharvani Duba, Consultant, General Surgery, Laser, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery. “We need more collaborative platforms like this, where real-time decisions and surgical styles can be learned and shared.”

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the success of the Arete Hernia League marks a significant step toward building a robust ecosystem of surgical education. Arete Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to advancing medical excellence and innovation, ensuring surgeons are equipped with the latest skills to improve patient outcomes.

The success of this initiative has laid a strong foundation for future surgical masterclasses, as Arete Hospitals continues its mission to bridge the gap between medical theory and advanced clinical practice.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr.Pankaj Balhara, Business Head at Zing, said: “The overwhelming response to our first edition of Udaan was a testament to the idea that we believed in and we couldn’t be happier with how this second edition has also turned out. The enthusiasm from both the students and the speakers was incredible. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights created a truly inspiring atmosphere where everyone walked away having learned something valuable. At Zing, we believe in the power of storytelling, and Udaan is our way of ensuring that the stories of real-life heroes reach the youth, motivating them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.”

• Raunak Damle – A corporate strategist at Tata Capital Housing Finance Ltd., Raunak is an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director and works on strategic initiatives across finance and innovation. A TEDx speaker, an International Gold Medalist in Rope Skipping, National silver medallist in squash, he shared how discipline, resilience, and adaptability helped him become a sports champion and the factors that helped him make a switch into the corporate world. His story motivated the students to push their limits and embrace diverse passions.
• Yash Parashar – Known as “The Man with a Thousand Families,” Yash is dedicated to providing shelter, care, and dignity to abandoned elderly citizens. His moving speech resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted the impact of his initiative, showing how one person’s kindness can create ripples of change. His journey inspired students to look beyond themselves and contribute to society with compassion and action.
• Shriya Lohia – India’s youngest female Formula 4 racer, Shriya has been breaking gender barriers in motorsports from a young age. A fierce competitor on the track, she shared the challenges she faced in a male-dominated sport and how determination and fearlessness helped her race toward success. Her journey struck a chord with young dreamers, proving that talent and perseverance can break any stereotype.
• Komal Panda – The James Dyson Award 2024 (India) winner, Komal is a young innovator whose work in healthcare technology and sustainability is revolutionizing the way we approach medical challenges. She spoke about the process behind her award-winning invention and how technology, innovation, and a problem-solving mindset can create meaningful social change. Her story left the students inspired to explore unconventional paths and turn ideas into impact.